Heather Herrman

I liked the first half of the book, but I loved the second half. During the first half, the point of view skipped around quite a bit. At times, it wasn't exactly clear to me which character was talking. It was also hard in the beginning to see how all the characters and stories will come together.

I really started to enjoy the book about half way through, when we were introduced to Jessi's diary. The story of the circus coming to town was really interesting. After that, everything started coming together and the story became action packed.

This book spoke of the age old battle between good and evil. How both are inside of us, and how easy it is to let the evil out.… (más)

3.5 stars

The publisher likens Heather Herrman's debut novel, Consumption, to the work of Stephen King, Joe Hill, and Sarah Langan, and the comparison is apt. Consumption is a classic horror story and, thus, predictable, but the characters are interesting and the story is well-paced. I might even have been inclined to give it 4 stars, were it not for a confusing timeline at the beginning (revolving around the interactions of Star, her father, and Riley) and a few abruptly dropped plot threads.

Verdict: a fun, quick summer read from a new author worth watching.

I received a free copy of Consumption through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.… (más)

Review copy

Something terrible happened before the fire that destroyed Cavus, Montana, in 1937. Now, it's happening again.

There was a lot I liked about Consumption. For example, the story of how John and Erma met and fell in love was magical; wonderfully crafted, ultimately believable, which made what happened next so heartbreaking.

I also liked the story of Lucy McClarin, told through her journal, the circus, and what happened in 1937.

Then there's the Black Squirrel Festival and finally, the Feeder and it's influence over the people in this small Montana town.

For the longest time, it seems something big is about to happen, but it just remains hidden. There are moments of brilliance in Heather Hermann's writing and at times what is happening in Cavus is truly disturbing. As a reader, you just need to be patient with this story, when it all comes together, it does so with a big bang, and it all works rather well.

Overall, this is quite an imaginative horror story. I love the words the author has for her mother in the acknowledgements, "Mom, if it helps you can pretend this is just a children's book for adults." That it is.

Consumption is available as an e-book from Hydra, an imprint of Random House.

Recommended.… (más)